Guterres Condemns Targeting of "International Observers" Patrol: Unacceptable and Contradicts International Law

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the recent incident in Lebanon where a patrol of the UN observer team was hit by an explosion, resulting in injuries to three of its members. Guterres emphasized in a statement the importance of ensuring the safety and security of international forces to maintain peace at all times, noting that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident. The Secretary-General pointed out the ongoing tension along the Blue Line between Lebanon and the occupation, which raises significant concerns, adding that "these repeated violations of Security Council Resolution 1701 pose a serious threat to security and stability in the region." Guterres urged all concerned parties to refrain from further violations and to adhere to Security Council Resolution 1701, calling for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.